2019 Toyota Rav4 Reviews

2019 Toyota Rav4 Overviews

The latest generation updates are important for Toyota CUV icons

Originally arriving in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the old nameplates of Japanese brands, especially in the crossover segment. In the quarter century since the original RAV4 debut, the demand for crossovers has grown substantially, and Toyota’s compact sales have grown with it, eventually becoming the number one seller of Japanese brands in the US. However, the latest RAV4 gets a redesign in 2013, to keep it fresh, Toyota only pulls the sheets in the new fifth generation at 2018 New York International Auto Show, bringing in an updated exterior styling, redesigned interior, latest security technology and new architecture under the skin.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Exterior

Toyota says it follows the philosophy of “Adventure and Refined” for exterior design, bringing off-roader cues and a little extra for aesthetics. That includes more than SUV-like looks for proportions, as well as high-end details like chrome trim. In terms of objective changes, the 2019 RAV4 brings aerodynamic improvements, while the latest Toyota Next-Generation Architecture under the body panel provides new exterior dimensions. Although still considered compact, its position is now lower and wider than before, while the wheelbase has been extended as well.

Viewed instantly, RAV4 sports a more corner nose, defined, with tons of small details that make up the fascia. The headlights are directed to the front fenders, while the hexagonal center intake is divided by the black dividing line. Further black details are found at the bottom of the bumper, while the silver platter curves protects the chin.

Moved to the side, we found the profile sharper as well, with a bended shoulder line and a crease that pointed the eye toward a wide fender flare. Additional black cladding can be found along the underside of the vehicle.

The rearview mirror is moved lower on the door, which is intended to increase visibility beyond the front and around the pillar A. The lower Beltline helps with side-facing visibility, and there is also a larger rear quarter glass for increased rear-diagonal visibility.

In the corner, you’ll find an optional 19-inch wheel.
Toyota offers a large number of trims for RAV4, so let’s take a moment to examine what’s more popular in terms of exterior aesthetics.

For starters, the top-of-the-line sports model, dubbed the XSE Hybrid, breaks into the stable with a piano-black accent added to the front end, side mirrors, fenders, and bottom rocker panels. The XSE Hybrid also gets a two-tone paint scheme, with a black roof at the top, and lower body panels that are collected in colors like Blizzard Pearl, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and, just for 2019, Blueprint.

Meanwhile, models on the SLE hybrid class and above get the projector’s LED headlights for the nose.

Given Toyota’s RAV4 framing packed with potential off-roading capabilities, the brand offers a lifestyle trim called the Adventure model, which makes its presence known for its higher roof rails and larger flared fenders, giving it more “overall rough appearance. The adventure also gets a new grille, fog lamps surround, and unique wheels. Buyers can get their roof painted with a color called Ice Edge, while the body is painted either Midnight Black Metallic, Blue Flame, or Lunar Rock, all of which are new colors for RAV4.

To match the fresh aesthetics on the outside, Toyota is also working on improving the RAV4 interior, giving it a sleeker and elegant look, complete with plenty of technical detail to boot. The central tunnel is simplified thanks to the repositioned electronic parking brake, which is moved to provide easier access to its operations and cleaner aesthetics without large hand levers.

The console is also made larger, while the side-by-side cup holder is mounted right in front of the armrests. Right in front of the shifter is an open tray that can hold other items. This place can also be equipped with a Qi wireless phone charger. Higher in the central stack there is a horizontal control for the HVAC system.

In conjunction with the new layout, cabin space also comes with a new dimension. For example, on the back, passengers got more space on the sides and more legroom as well.

In front of practicality, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes with a hands-free power lift, which opens by waving your legs under the rear bumper. There is also a reversible liner for the rear cargo area and an additional side net that is useful for storing small items. The backseats get a 60/40 split for it, which helps to “accommodate important things like surfboards, luggage, or camping gear.”

As you can imagine, 2019 RAV4 is crowded with infotainment features. Running it all is an Entune 3.0 multimedia system as standard, which also comes with Wi-Fi Connect from Verizon, plus Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay as well.

Standard specifications install a 7.0-inch touchscreen above the middle stack, while Entune 3.0 Premium Audio offers embedded dynamic navigation. Choose the Entune 3.0 Audio Plus package, and you’ll get an 8.0 inch screen and a larger SiriusXM. Up to five USB ports are available from front to back.

Music lovers are encouraged to use the enhanced JBL audio system, which gets new features like updated speaker design and enhanced system architecture. The system offers 11 speakers, 8 channels, and 800 watts of power to provide your soundtrack.

Like the exterior, the 2019 RAV4 differentiates between different trim levels with a variety of separate aesthetic changes and equipment inside as well. For example, the XSE hybrid model gets cabin coated with Softex black leather upholstery matched by a blue accent, while in the Adventure model, the coating gets a unique Mocha colored Softco coating balanced with orange stitching and dash accents.

At the top of the range are the Limited trim levels, which come standard with front row moonroof, 8-way power adjusting the driver’s seat, and a new 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display. It also got Digital Display Spion Mirror, which was the first for Toyota models sold in the US market.

“By default, the display is a conventional rearview mirror but with a flip switch, the driver has an improved vision coming through the rearview mirror of what’s behind the vehicle thanks to the adjustable and customizable height-angle width of the camera -definition taped to the rear of the vehicle , “Explained Toyota.

Security technology is also the main focus of the RAV4, with the 2019 model features the latest generation Sense Safety features of Toyota 2.0. These include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Advanced Collision Warning, Brake Relief, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Dynamic Radar Dynamic Control Roaming Controls that operate between 0 and 110 mph, as well as Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam Lamps, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. The crossover is also equipped with the usual school safety equipment, such as eight airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake style distribution.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain

• Next Generation Architecture under the Skin
• Higher Ground Clearance
• Some Drivetrain Packages To Choose From
• 2.5-Liter Four Cylinders, Both Hybrids And Non-Hybrids
• AWD is available
• Eight-Speed ​​Automatic And CVT
• Multiple Drive Modes

Big changes under the skin begin with some new foundation, the Toyota TNGA platform, otherwise known as Toyota’s Next-Generation Architecture.
Coinciding with the changing exterior dimensions, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 also comes with wider front and rear tracks, as well as shorter overhangs in front and behind to underscore the greatness of vehicles off-track. What’s more, ground clearance gets a boost of more than half an inch.

The multi-link rear suspension is set to balance between handling the skills, quieter cab sound, and enhanced ride comfort, while the unibody chassis is now 57 percent stiffer, which also helps in every aspect mentioned above.

Toyota says the design approach includes a group of highly trained master craftsmen, also known as takumi, who assist in creating the reacting handling arrangements referred to, regardless of the conditions played.

“Engineers work for about four years to perfect every aspect of RAV4 performance, addressing the stability and driving comfort. The end goal is simple: a confident driving experience engineer and a natural, “Toyota said.

The buyer gets two powertrains to choose from, starting with Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder. Equipped with five special models of gas, this engine comes with outstanding features such as VVT-iE variable valve timing. The ‘four sends the output via 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission (more in seconds).

In both cases, gas combustion engines use high-speed burning technology, as well as variable control systems that offer higher thermal efficiency levels. It cuts the amount of energy lost to various exhaust and cooling systems and mechanical components, and as a result, ICE manages a remarkable 40 percent thermal efficiency. In hybrid models, up to 41 percent.

The gearbox used for non-hybrid models is the automatic Direct Shift-8AT with a direct-locking mechanism between the second and eighth front teeth. This is used to smooth the shifting characteristics and reduce the parasitic loss of the torque converter.

For the first time for Toyota, there is also Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Ronnet Driveline Disconnect feature. Basically, this arrangement helps overcome the grip, whereas rear-driveline disconnection reduces fuel consumption when extra grip is not required.

The AWD system is offered as a standard on Limited trim gas models and all Adventure trim models. It operates by sending half of the available engine torque to the rear wheels, distributing it in exact amounts between the left and right wheels for handling and optimal handling characteristics. The ratchet type dog clutch is used for front and rear wheels. When sailing, the rear torque distribution is disconnected, increasing efficiency by reducing further parasitic losses. Keeping it FWD also reduces vibration, smoothing more trips.

This new AWD system is actually just one of three AWD systems that Toyota offers with RAV4. There is also an AWD-i system for hybrid models, and a non-Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system on a gas-motivated core model.

There are also Multi-Terrain Select offered on all AWD gas-powered models, with a variety of drive modes on the table to overcome terrain like snow, mud, sand, and rocks.
Those looking for the smile are most likely to have to consider the XSE model, which offers the greatest strength and fastest acceleration of the group. XSE also got sporty suspension tuning, making it the best handling model in the lineup as well.

Toyota RAV4 2019 Price

2019 Toyota RAV4 will arrive at dealerships by the end of 2018 in gas-only form, while hybrid models will drop by early 2019. Price fixing so far has not been announced but will likely be placed in the same place as the current generation. , which starts at $ 24,510. The current Hybrid model starts at $ 27,235.